I think the United States is the greatest country that’s ever existed on earth. And I think that it’s difficult to argue on objective grounds that it’s not. I think the facts really point in that direction.

It’s the greatest force for good of any country that’s ever been. That said, I think it would be a mistake to say the United States is perfect; it certainly is not. America is far from perfect. It has blundered through arrogance, selfishness, cynicism, and a great deal of ignorance during the last century. But without America, the history of humanity in the 20th century would have been infinitely more tragic.

When historians look at all these things on balance and measure the good with the bad – and I think if you do that on a rational basis and make a fair assessment – I think it’s hard to say that there is anything better, nor that there ever will be.

I wasn’t born in America – but I got here as fast as I could. And my only regret is that I have but one life to lose for my country…